Constant comments heard by #GIRLSTHATLIFT. Ever since day one of my CrossFit journey, these were the words i heard from not just acquaintances but good friends. These were the words that held me back from succeeding in CrossFit and Olympic lifting so i wouldn't get "big".

Many women will get discouraged when they hear these words. If you're one of them, don't let the critics stop you from doing what you love by the words they say. Why let their sill words hold you back from greatness?

Girl, get your lift on!

Don't listen to others, be yourself, redefine your beauty. It looks months for my coaches and box mates to convince me to finally realize that there's no way this could happen! Once i committed to my nutrition and programming, the results were beyond what I thought i could achieve. My strength and speed improved in the box and life out of it. When I put on a dress and heels, I feel like a girl. When i put on makeup, Im so proud of all I've put in to take care of myself to becoming the athlete i am today. Seeing muscles when you look at your reflection or see a picture is the result of hard work, dedication and time spent improving you.

On the #LIFTLIKEAGIRL campaign website there are a few studies that were done and the outcome was crazy and heartbreaking. Exposure to the "ideal" body images has been found to lower women's satisfaction with their own attractiveness and 44% of women who are average or underweight think that they are overweight. We need to change those statistics! How do we do it? By breaking the mold of what is perceived beautiful.

I want to reach out to the girls who have been told this or are worried about these words and let them know they are not alone. I've heard it all, I totally get it. Just never stop loving yourself and keep shining.

So, work those muscles, destroy every workout like its your last and go kick some butt.